The Identity of the Latinx Woman

The main medium of my alternative form response is videography. However, in addition to video footage, my message is told through poetry and audio recordings. In this way, my decision not to stick to a singular artistic medium emphasizes the themes I am addressing: the duality of identity and intersectionality. Just as intersectionality and the belief in the duality of identity suggest that a woman's oppression and story is not a black and white case, I am choosing to not stick to one medium of artistic expression over another. Inspired by the writings of Gloria Anzaldùa, a Chicana feminist who often focused on the Mestiza woman, my video depicts the voices of several Latinx-identifying women. In the recordings, the women anonymously share their identity and describe what it means to them personally. The audio clips, paired with the video footage, demonstrates the personal element of a Latinx woman’s identity: she does not have to choose one part of her identity over another. A Latinx woman, as all people, are allowed to have more than one identity and not be required to explain themselves to others. The women, whose voices are depicted throughout the video, identify with their Latin American culture, while living in the Unites States. As such, their identity is a duality. In the words of Gloria Anazaldúa, “I am in all cultures at the same time.” My video aims to depict the complexity of identity, and the intersectionality of feminism, as a woman’s identity is further influenced by her culture.
            Another source of inspiration for this alternative form response is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Born in Nigeria, Adichie is a highly-acclaimed woman of color feminist. She is well-known for her discussion of the “danger of a single story.” In her 2009 TED talk, she discusses the importance of seeking more than one story to understand a person. Through the power of storytelling, Adichie proposes the danger of using stereotypes to perceive others. Rather, we must search for all the diverse stories to gain a holistic perspective. In a similar fashion, my video depicts the beautiful complexity and diaspora of the Latinx woman. These women come from all over the world, yet they all are equal representations of the Latinx woman.
Many of the visual clips included in the video, all recorded by me and by my sister, Claudia Luna Priego, come from events held by the Latino Student Organization (LSO) on campus. As current President of the Organization, my vision is to hold events that celebrate the various Latino/Hispanic cultures and serve as a resource for students on campus. One such event, depicted in the video is a recent event held by LSO to celebrate the closing of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event, titled DiasporARTE, included an art gallery depicting Latinx student art, as well as performances by students. The art and performances served as mediums through which Latinx students could express their relationship with their Latinx identity and cultural background. 
I have chosen to post this video on a blog created by my sister and I. Titled mi dulce fortaleza, this blog aims to empower women and celebrate culture. In addition to posting lifestyle content on Youtube and on our website, we often feature empowering writers, artists, musicians, and more through personal interviews inquiring about their sources of inspiration, their dreams, and their purpose. Check it out at midulcefortaleza.com!